AR VR Technology

For nearly 20 years, Procon has worked across the construction industry aligning itself with technology to exceed client expectations, foster creativity, and most importantly increase safety to the leading industry in worker fatalities. In 2017, the Department of Labor reported that one in five worker related fatalities were in the construction industry. That is more than 14 deaths every day.

Having built a reputation for having an unwavering sense of responsibility for our employees and their safety, we have increased our efforts to educate the construction industry and its partners on the lifesaving benefits technology has to offer.

VIRTUAL REALITY
Using software to replicate a construction site, Procon is able to create a training program that places worker trainees in a virtual environment that allows them to interact with their surroundings. By utilizing virtual reality with live-presenter, online, and simulation training, various scenarios can be generated that mimic hazardous real-world situations without facing any actual dangers. These immersive scenarios can be used to practice and improve important safety measures, such as a proper harness inspection. This technology enables trainees to practice being 20 stories up and how to properly anchor or how to secure tools to prevent dropped object injuries, in a setting that is safe.

AUGMENTED REALITY
With the widespread use of Building Information Models (BIM), Procon has spearheaded initiatives to expand its value past one-time use models by integrating augmented reality to be used through the entire lifecycle of the building. Combining real and digital into one immersive environment, AR allows superintendents and designers to compare the physical work with the model to identify discrepancies, potential obstacles, and prevent expensive delays and mistakes. Increased training safety and engagement by implementing virtual drills, safety scenarios, and how to operate heavy machinery like cranes and boom lifts, has been enhanced by AR to create a holistic approach on facilities management. In addition, the technology is being used to keep inspectors “heads-up” and aware of their surroundings, ultimately helping them avoid dangerous collisions and trip-and-fall accidents.  

DRONES
Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been instrumental on construction sites in creating efficiency and preventing injuries and fatalities. Drones have been used to inspect remote sites for hazardous conditions, unstable structures, or difficult locations such as under bridges and high traffic roadways, without putting workers at risk. A drone can capture a bird’s eye view of the construction site and collect data through images, complete thermal inspections, and track progress against the CPM schedule, in a highly cost effective and time efficient way that keeps workers safe.

Safety continues to be a pressing issue in the construction industry and is weaved through every decision we make at Procon. It’s what drives us to be better every day and on every job.

We invite you to join the conversation on how we can unite to increase safety in the construction industry through technology. Contact us today by emailing Jason Lopez, Director of Construction Management, jlopez@proconconsulting.com.

 


Bert Aultman, PMP

Business Technology Manager, Bert Aultman, PMP sat down with the Capital Chapter of IFMA to discuss the benefits of utilizing the latest laser scanning and photogrammetry technology within various facilities management projects. Providing key takeaways for facility owners, Bert highlights solutions on ways they can avoid unnecessary inefficiencies and risks in their day-to-day operations.

Read the full story on page 6, here.

 


Senior Construction Manager, Alison Stilwell, CCM represented Procon at The American Subcontractors Association (ASA) and The National Association of Women in Construction’s (NAWIC) joint celebration of National Women in Construction Week.  The event, Women Breaking the Mold in Construction, featured a dynamic panel of speakers who provided an analysis of the current position of women in the construction industry as well as shared how their past experiences have shaped who they are today and offered insightful guidance for the continued success of all women in construction.

The attendees were treated to a sneak preview of “Hard Hatted Woman”; Lorein Barlow’s documentary film about women in the construction trades prior to the panel discussions. The speakers, Jennifer Bognet, Monique Holley, Tara McCarthy, Natalie Mogrovejo, and Jennifer Sproul represented a broad spectrum of occupations within the construction industry.

“This evening was a wonderful opportunity to continue demonstrating how women are making positive and prolific changes in the construction industry,” Stilwell said. “Events such as these help engage and invigorate women’s participation in the field of construction and strengthen relationships across the broad range of disciplines within this industry.”

Both NAWIC and ASA are organizations that aim to increase personal growth within the industry by providing educational opportunities, networking events, member support and positive business environments.

 



Procon is helping provide canned food to local food banks by participating in CANstruction at the National Building Museum. CANstruction is a nationwide charity event that  pits A/E/C firms against each other in building the most impressive structures made from unopened cans of food that are later donated to food banks. The local CANstruction build was organized by the Washington Architecural Foundation and took place on November 18, 2018.

This year’s theme was “Can’t Stop the Beet”. Procon’s group of volunteers  designed and engineered a sculpture called “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice” that consisted of 1,212 cans of food that will be donated to the Capital Area Food Bank. Visitors to the exhibition at the NBM from November 19-25 can donate cans of food as well and vote for their favorite sculpture. One can=one vote.

 


(Photo Credit: Meredith Somers, Federal News Network)

Procon has been awarded a contract to provide comprehensive construction project management support services for the consolidation of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) Headquarters in Camp Springs, MD. The 574,767 square foot building will be located at One Capital Gateway Drive and will house 3,656 personnel. 

The new headquarters is a lease project between the U.S. General Services Administration and One Town Center LLC. When completed, the facility will increase space utilization rates and help reduce the government’s overall real estate footprint. CIS will be able to consolidate operations from five leased locations into one headquarters and that will reduce the agency’s footprint by 128,000 square feet and save the government about $21 million annually.

Procon will serve as GSA’s owner’s representative on the project and provide project management, cost estimation, and inspection services for this two-year project which will be completed August 2020.